What is the difference between copyright and patent?

Copyright and patents are both forms of intellectual property, but they protect very different things.

• Copyright protects original works of authorship, like books, music, software code, art, and films. It arises automatically upon creation and typically lasts the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years (depending on the country).
  
• Patents, on the other hand, protect inventions, new and useful processes, machines, products, or technical improvements. Patents must be formally filed and granted and typically last 20 years from the filing date.

However, unlike copyright, a patent only remains in force if the patent renewal fees are paid regularly, usually annually. Missing a patent renewal deadline can result in the patent expiring before the full 20-year term.